Memorial High School - Reata Yearbook (Houston, TX)

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Compiling the second most successful record tion, Senior jerry Miller comes upto bat. I I : r Burch gives it everything he's got. As january fell upon the hardballers, more work vvas to be done on the field. Working on individual skills was of major concern as the tryouts and the season approached. February found the field a beautiful shade of green and an official Varsity Team made up of 17 players. The season opened on March 1 and at that time, Ronnie Redman felt that if his team could remain over 500 up until district play, that could win the race for16-4A title. The team did just that as they compiled a 6-5-1 record in pre-district competition and secured a second place finish in the Conroe tournament. After losing their first four district contests, the team fought back hard to vvin their next six ball games. This left them in third place in round one and undefeated in the second round. The Mustangs ended their hopes in the middle of the race for district. When it was all over they stood 5-5 in two rounds of playing and a disappointing two games out of first place. The record of 14-13-1 was the second most successful record in the school history. Their 8 and 8 district record tied the record of the 1963 team who were the only district champs in Memorials history. Three year Ietterman Greg Pennington vvas voted the outstanding player in the 16-4A District and was placed on the first All-District team. lim McGinnis was selected as the first team utility infielder. Also representing the school were john Shannon as second team outfielder and john Bishop who received Honorable Mention. Sophomore Ed Womac takes his turn at bat. VARSITY BASEBALL - 149

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Determina- tion begins to drizz e The junior Varsity Baseball Team season started off with high hopes and much enthusiasm. After last year's 5-11 record, the team was determined to improve. Coach lim Wells led in pre-season drills and practices, preparing for the doubleheader opener at Stratford. Saturday morning came and so did the weather. Drizzle and 58 temperatures hindered both games. The pitcher never got warmed up, Memorial was shelled 16-7 and 8-2. The l.V. went home, recovered and prepared for their next game at Conroe, which had the same clear, cool weather and ended ina loss. The record fell to 0-3. Wells remained optimistic and kept the practicing hard. The next game was a home doubleheader with Spring Woods. The Mustangs tried but the Tigers prevailed twice and Memorial fell to 0-5. Memorial went to jersey Village still looking for their first victory of the season, but the Falcons wouldn't have it and the Ponies lost its sixth straight game. Morale was falling and a win was needed desperately to boost the sagging l.V. spirit. Wells had tried many combinations and every pitcher but one. Spring Branch was the site of the next Saturday's doubleheader, their record was 1- 5 and Wells was hoping for a win. Trailing 4-1 in the first game, pitcher jeff Harris was called in. He held the Bears scoreless and the Mustangs rallied for a 6-4 win in their first victory of the season. Game two saw the Mustangs ahead 10-4 in the bottom of the seventh when Spring Branch rallied for an 11-10 victory. Once again morale fell as Memorial was 1-7 at the halfway point of the season. Northbrook was the next opponent. The Raiders were in first place in the district and they showed it by shellacking the Ponies, ending the game early by the 12 run rule. At 1-8 the Mustangs played lifeless and without enthusiasm in the defeat. Watching the spirit drop to almost zero, Coach Wells needed help, he called up Varsity Coach Ronnie Redman after facing a 30 minute staff talk. The l.V. prepared for their next game with Cy-Fair. - Through rain outs and rescheduling, it was the Mustangs second home game. Game day arrived and after a fight, the j.V. lost. IUNIOR VARSITY BASEBALL -151